Clamp assembly

ABSTRACT

A clamp assembly ( 8 ) in accordance with the present invention includes a tightening mechanism ( 10 ) connected to an elongated, flat metal band ( 12 ). The metal band is configured to encircle a conduit. The tightening mechanism ( 10 ) includes a saddle ( 14 ) securely attached to the band ( 12 ). A housing ( 16 ) is pivotally and slidably connected to the saddle ( 14 ). The housing ( 16 ) defines a recess ( 17 ) housing a locking worm ( 18 ). The locking, worm ( 18 ) is rotatable in the housing and defines spiral threads ( 20 ) adapted to cooperate with slots ( 26 ) defined in the band. The housing ( 16 ) is pivotally and slidably connected to the saddle ( 14 ) so that the housing is pivotable relative to the saddle and movable in an axial direction substantially parallel to the saddle to further engage and lock with the saddle in a closed position of the tightening mechanism.

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No.60/126,178, filed Mar. 25, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a clamp assembly for use with a conduitsuch as a hose, tube or pipe.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Clamps of the type disclosed herein generally include an elongated metalband adapted to encircle a conduit such as a hose, tube or pipe. Theband defines a series of slots. A screw housing is generally fastened tothe band. A tightening screw or “worm” is rotatably mounted in thehousing and the clamp is attached by extending the slotted end of theband through the housing so that the threads of the tightening screwengage the slots in the band. As the screw is tightened, the slotted or“free end” of the band is drawn through the housing until the band isfirmly clamped around the conduit.

In clamps of the type discussed hereinabove, it is advantageous if theclamp is capable of rapid attachment and detachment from the conduit.However, in most prior art clamps the tightening or loosening process isrelatively slow and tedious because the free end of the band is drawnthrough or retracted from the housing only by rotation of the tighteningscrew through the use of a screwdriver. One prior art solution is toprovide a pivotable tightening screw connected to the housing so thatthe tightening screw can be pivoted into and out of engagement with theslots in the band. According to this design, rotation of the tighteningscrew is necessary only for final tightening or initial loosening of theclamp. However, this design is not completely satisfactory because ofthe danger of inadvertent release of the pivotable tightening screw.Special locking devices are sometimes used in this design in an attemptto overcome this problem. However, no practical high strength worm driveclamp is known to be available having quick connect and quick disconnectfeatures.

Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a clampassembly having quick connect and disconnect features but overcomes thedisadvantages discussed previously in connection with known prior artclamps. It is a further object of the present invention to provide aclamp assembly having a relatively simple and inexpensive construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objects are accomplished with a clamp assembly for use with aconduit made in accordance with the present invention. The clampassembly includes a flexible band adapted to encircle the conduit. Theband has a free end defining a plurality of slots. A saddle is securedto the band and includes a first rivet member and a second rivet memberlocated at opposite ends of the saddle. The first and second rivetmembers each define a first recess. The first rivet member defines asecond recess opening in an opposite direction from the first recess.The saddle may include a pair of equally spaced first rivet members anda pair of equally spaced second rivet members located at opposite endsof the saddle. A housing is pivotally connected to the saddle by thefirst rivet member. The housing has a sidewall defining openingsconfigured to cooperate with the first and second rivet members. A wormscrew is positioned in the housing and rotatably connected to thehousing. The housing and worm screw are pivotable about the first rivetmember between an open position in which the housing and worm screw forman angle with the saddle and in which the worm screw defines a spacewith the saddle for receiving the free end of the band, and a closedposition in which the first and second rivet members substantiallyextend through the openings in the sidewall of the housing. In addition,with the free end of the band positioned between the worm screw and thesaddle and with the housing and worm screw in the closed position, theworm screw engages the slots defined in the free end of the band fortightening the clamp assembly. Furthermore, in the closed position ofthe housing and worm screw, the housing is movable in an axial directionrelative to the saddle such that the sidewall of the housing seats inthe first recess defined by the first and second rivet members.

The saddle may be secured to the band by one of welding, crimping andfasteners. The first recess may be slanted in a direction toward a baseportion of the saddle. The first rivet member may include a connectingtab which is used to connect the housing to the saddle. The connectingtab may be curled over the sidewall of the housing.

The worm screw may include a head portion defining a slot configured toaccept a screwdriver for tightening the clamp assembly. The worm screwmay further include a terminal portion and define grooves adjacent thehead portion and the terminal portion. The housing may include asubstantially semicircular-shaped body portion for housing the wormscrew. The body portion is preferably received in the grooves torotatably connect the worm screw to the housing. Finally, the band, thesaddle, the housing and the worm screw are preferably made of stainlesssteel.

Further details and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction withthe drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of a clamp assembly in accordancewith the present invention shown in an open position and coacting with aband;

FIG. 2 is an elevational side view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 1 shownin a closed position;

FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of the clamp assembly in accordancewith the present invention shown in an open position and showing hiddenlines;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 3

FIG. 5 is an elevational side view of the clamp assembly in accordancewith the present invention shown in a closed position and showing hiddenlines;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway top plan view of the clamp assembly ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a partially broken elevational side view of the clampassembly in accordance with the present invention shown in an openposition;

FIG. 11 is a partially broken elevational side view of the clampassembly of FIG. 10 shown in a first intermediate position;

FIG. 12 is a partially broken elevational side view of the clampassembly of FIG. 10 shown in a second intermediate position;

FIG. 13 is a partially broken elevational side view of the clampassembly of FIG. 10 shown in a closed and locked position;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the clamp assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an elevational side view of a saddle of the clamp assemblydefining slanted recesses; and

FIG. 17 is an elevational side view of a second embodiment of the saddleshown in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a clamp assembly 8 made in accordance withthe present invention generally includes a tightening mechanism 10connected to an elongated, flat metal band 12. The band 12 is configuredto encircle a conduit (not shown) such as a hose, tube or pipe. FIG. 1shows the tightening mechanism 10 in an open position and having a freeend 13 of the band 12 extending therethrough. FIG. 2 shows thetightening mechanism 10 in a closed position engaging the free end 13 ofthe band 12.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the tightening mechanism 10 includes asaddle 14 permanently attached to the band 12. The saddle 14 may besecured to the band 12 by spot welding, crimping, mechanical fastenerssuch as rivets or by any other similar means known in the art. A housing16 is pivotally and slidably connected to the saddle 14. The housing 16is substantially U-shaped in vertical cross section and defines a recess17 housing a rotatable locking worm 18, or worm screw. The locking worm18 defines spiral threads 20 extending substantially the length of thelocking worm 18. The locking worm 18 includes a head portion 22 defininga slot 24 configured to cooperate with a screwdriver (not shown) foroperation of the tightening mechanism 10. The locking worm 18 furtherincludes a terminal end 25 opposite from the head portion 22 andextending out of the housing 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, the free end 13, or first end, of the band12 defines a series of longitudinally-spaced, transversely-extendingslots or apertures 26. A second or fixed end 27 of the band 12 has thetightening mechanism 10 secured thereto. The spiral threads 20 of thelocking worm 18 are adapted to co-act with the apertures 26. As shown inFIG. 8, the apertures 26 may be inclined at a slight angle of about 5°relative to a transverse axis of the band 12 so that the spiral threads20 easily cooperate with the apertures 26 when the tightening mechanism10 is positioned in the closed position. An exemplary material for theband 12 includes 300 series stainless steel.

The saddle 14 includes a base portion 28 attached to the second end 27of the band 12. The saddle 14 includes two upstanding first or frontrivet members 30 and two upstanding second or rear rivet members 32. Thefront and rear rivet members 30,32 are preferably integrally formed aspart of the saddle 14. The saddle 14 is formed such that there isclearance for the band 12 to pass between the two front rivet members 30and the two rear rivet members 32. The front and rear rivet members30,32 each define a first recess 34 configured to cooperate with thehousing 16 as further described hereinafter. The front rivet members 30each further define a second recess 36 also configured to cooperate withthe housing 16 but facing in the opposite direction from the firstrecesses 34. The second recesses 36 defined by the front rivet members30 enable the housing 16 to pivot relative to the saddle 14 as describedfurther hereinafter. Additionally, the first recesses 34 defined by thefront and rear rivet members 30,32 and the second recesses 36 defined bythe front rivet members 30 are configured to cooperate with the housing16 so that the housing 16 may move axially, or “traverse”, relative tothe saddle 14. This axial or traverse movement of the housing 16relative to the saddle 14 provides a “wedge” action which locks thehousing 16 into engagement with the saddle 14 and ensures high torquetransmission to the band 12. This wedge action also locks the lockingworm 18, or screw, in place in the housing 16 which allows thehousing/screw combination to remain intact and yet pivot in concert sothat the band 12 may move freely through the tightening mechanism 10. Anexemplary material for the saddle 14 includes 300 series stainlesssteel.

The housing 16 further includes a longitudinally extending andsemicylindrical-shaped body portion 40. Horizontal sidewalls 42 extendfrom the body portion 40 and include depending flanges 44. The sidewalls42 define a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings 46 positioned tocooperate with the front and rear rivet members 30,32 upstanding fromthe saddle 14, respectively. In addition, the housing 16 is attached tothe saddle 14 such that the housing 16 pivots upward relative to thesaddle 14. In particular, the housing 16 is connected to the saddle 14so that the housing 16 may pivot about an axis passing through thesecond recesses 36 defined by the front rivet members 30. The frontrivet members 30 preferably each further include a connecting tab 48formed at a tip 49 of each of the front rivet members 30. The connectingtabs 48 are adapted to engage the sidewalls 42, as shown in FIGS. 8 and9, to securely connect the saddle 14 to the housing 16. The connectingtabs 48 permit the pivotal movement of the housing 16 relative to thesaddle 14 while securely connecting the housing 16 to the saddle 14. Theconnecting tabs 48 are preferably curled or bent over the sidewalls 42of the housing 16 making the tightening mechanism 10 relatively easy andinexpensive to assemble. The housing 16 pivots about the front rivetmembers 30 to form an angle ∝ with the saddle 14 in the open position ofthe tightening mechanism 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The housing 16 pivotsrelative to the saddle 14 to a maximum angle ∝ of about 30°. The housing16 pivots sufficiently upward relative to the saddle 14 whereby the freeend 13 of the band 12 may pass through the spacing between the baseportion 28 of the saddle 14 and the locking worm 18 positioned in thehousing 16. An exemplary material for the housing 16 is 300 seriesstainless steel.

Referring to FIG. 9, the locking worm 18 includes grooves 50 adjacentthe head portion 22 and the terminal end 25. The locking worm 18 “snapfits” into engagement with grooves 50 to rotatably secure the lockingworm 18 to the housing 16 and, in particular, into engagement with thebody portion 40 of the housing 16. The locking worm 18 is therebysecured in the recess 17 (shown in FIG. 4) defined by the housing 16 andthe body portion 40, in particular, but is free to rotate in the bodyportion 40. It will be apparent that the locking worm 18 may be attachedto the housing 16 in any manner that permits the locking worm 18 torotate in the housing 16. An exemplary material for the locking worm 18is series 410 stainless steel.

Referring to FIGS. 10-15, operation of the clamp assembly 8 will now bediscussed in further detail. In the open position of the tighteningmechanism 10 the housing 16 forms a maximum angle ∝ of about 30° withthe saddle 14. The sidewalls 42 of the housing 16 are preferably seatedin the second recesses 36 defined by the front rivet members 30 so thatthe openings 46 defined by the sidewalls 42 are axially offset relativeto the rear rivet members 32. As a result of this offset, the rear rivetmembers 32 abut against the interior face of the housing 16. The housing16 is thus prevented from pivoting into engagement with the saddle 14.The contact of the rear rivet members 32 with the interior face of thehousing 16 acts as a stopping mechanism preventing the housing 16 fromprematurely pivoting into engagement with the saddle 14, which makesinitial insertion of the band 12 into the tightening mechanism 10easier. The free end 13 of the band 12 may now be fed through thetightening mechanism 10 in the horizontal spacing between the two frontand two rear rivet members 30,32 of the saddle 14 and the verticalspacing between the saddle 14 and the locking worm 18 until a desireddiameter of the band 12 is reached. When the band 12 is released naturaltension in the band 12 forces the band 12 radially outward so that thespiral threads 20 of the locking worm 18 engage the apertures 26 in theband 12. The engagement of the spiral threads 20 with the apertures 26combined with the natural tension in the band 12 acting on the housing16 through the locking worm 18 causes the housing 16 to move or“traverse” axially relative to the saddle 14 so that the rear rivetmembers 32 are now in a position to extend through the openings 46 inthe housing 16. In addition, the engagement of the locking worm 18 withthe band 12, combined with the natural tension in the band 12 acting onthe housing 16, causes the housing 16 to pivot downward toward thesaddle 14 to a first intermediate position as shown in FIG. 11. In FIG.11, the housing 16 is positioned at an angle ∝ relative to the saddle14, which is preferably between about 5°-20°.

Referring to FIG. 12, the tightening mechanism 10 may now be placed in asecond intermediate position, or closed position. The housing 16 isplaced in the second intermediate position shown by applying downwardpressure on the housing 16. In the second intermediate position, thesidewalls 42 of the housing 16 are substantially aligned with the firstrecesses 34 defined by the front and rear rivet members 30,32, but donot engage, or seat, in the first recesses 34. The sidewalls 42 of thehousing 16 are no longer fully seated in the second recesses 36 definedby the front rivet members 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, the tightening mechanism 10 is placed in aclosed and locked position by positioning a screwdriver in slot 24 inthe head portion 22 of the locking worm 18 and rotating the locking worm18 with the screwdriver. The rotational engagement of the spiral threads20 in apertures 26 in the band 12 combined with the natural tension inthe band 12 acting on the housing 16 causes the housing 16 and, inparticular, the sidewalls 42 to “snap” fully into engagement with thefirst recesses 34 defined by the front and rear rivet members 30,32. Thetightening mechanism 10 is now closed and locked and the clamp assembly8 is ready for further tightening around the conduit (not shown). Therotational engagement of the spiral threads 20 in apertures 26 in theband 12 causes the band 12 to shorten in length and tighten around theconduit. The clamp assembly 8 may be placed in the open position byreversing the steps of the operation described hereinabove.

In summary, the housing co-acts with the first recesses 34 defined bythe front and rear rivet members 30,32 and the second recesses 36defined by the front rivet members 30 to permit the housing 16 to“traverse” or move in an axial direction relative to the saddle 14. Thetraverse or axial movement of the housing 16 relative to the saddle 14is identified by arrow “A” in FIGS. 13 and 15, which shows the directionof movement of the housing 16 to fully seat in the first recesses 34.Additionally, the second recesses 36 defined by the front rivet members30 and the connecting tabs 48 enable the housing 16 to pivot relative tothe saddle 14.

Ideally, the first recesses 34 are defined such that as the tighteningmechanism 10 is tightened with a screwdriver, the housing 16 continuesto move downward into engagement with and compress against the saddle 14and the band 12 positioned therein. This “wedge” action of the housing16 into the saddle 14 locks the housing 16 in place ensuring high torquetransmission to the band 12. The locking worm 18 is also locked in placein the housing 16 allowing the housing/screw combination to remainintact and yet pivot in concert so that the band 12 may move freelythrough the tightening mechanism 10.

The front recesses 34 may have an arcuate shape, or a slanted shape asshown in FIG. 16. Referring to FIG. 16, it will be apparent that astightening mechanism 10 is further tightened, the sidewalls 42 seated inthe first recesses 34 defined by the front and rear rivet members 30,32will follow the shape of the first recesses 34 and compress furtheragainst the saddle 14 and the band 12 positioned therein. The arcuate orslanted orientation of the first recesses 34 in the front and rear rivetmembers 30,32 provides the “wedge” or camming action due to the downwardtaper of the first recesses 34, thus providing a clamp assembly 8 ofgreater strength and having a greater “wedge” action than thosecurrently known in the art. FIG. 17 shows a second embodiment of thesaddle 14 shown in FIG. 16 which provides a similar camming or wedgeaction.

Based on the foregoing, the present invention provides a clamp assemblyhaving quick connect and disconnect features. Additionally, the clampassembly according to the present invention provides a high-strengthworm-driven clamp assembly that overcomes the disadvantages known in theprior art. Furthermore, the clamp assembly according to the presentinvention is relatively simple to assemble and, therefore, inexpensiveto produce. The clamp assembly specifically provides a tighteningmechanism having a pivotable housing and a housing capable of axial ortraverse movement relative to the saddle of the tightening mechanism.

The present invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments which are merely illustrative of the present invention andnot restrictive thereof. Obvious modifications and alterations of theinvention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claimsand equivalents thereto.

We claim:
 1. A clamp assembly, comprising: a band having a free enddefining a plurality of slots; a saddle secured to the band andincluding at least one first rivet member and at least one second rivetmember located at opposite ends of the saddle, with the first and secondrivet members each defining a recess; a housing pivotally connected tothe saddle by the first rivet member, with the housing having a sidewalldefining openings configured to cooperate with the first and secondrivet members; and a worm screw positioned in the housing and rotatablyconnected to the housing, with the housing and worm screw pivotableabout the first rivet member between an open position in which thehousing and worm screw form an angle with the saddle and in which theworm screw defines a space with the saddle for receiving the free end ofthe band, and a closed position in which the first and second rivetmembers substantially extend through the openings in the sidewall of thehousing, wherein with the free end of the band positioned between theworm screw and the saddle and with the housing and worm screw in theclosed position, the worm screw engages the slots defined in the freeend of the band for tightening the clamp assembly, and wherein in theclosed position of the housing and worm screw, the housing is movable inan axial direction relative to the saddle such that the sidewall of thehousing seats in the recesses defined by the first and second rivetmembers.
 2. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the saddle is securedto the band by one of welding, crimping and fasteners.
 3. The clampassembly of claim 1, wherein the recesses are slanted in a directiontoward a base portion of the saddle.
 4. The clamp assembly of claim 1,wherein the first rivet member includes a connecting tab, and whereinthe housing is connected to the saddle by the connecting tab.
 5. Theclamp assembly of claim 4, wherein the connecting tab is curled over thesidewall of the housing.
 6. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein theworm screw includes a head portion defining a slot configured to accepta screwdriver for tightening the clamp assembly.
 7. The clamp assemblyof claim 5, wherein the worm screw further includes a terminal portionand defines grooves adjacent the head portion and the terminal portion,wherein the housing includes a substantially semicircular-shaped bodyportion for housing the worm screw, and wherein the body portion isreceived in the grooves to rotatably connect the worm screw to thehousing.
 8. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the band, the saddle,the housing and the worm screw are made of stainless steel.
 9. A clampassembly for use with a conduit, comprising: a flexible band adapted toencircle the conduit and having a free end defining a plurality ofslots; a saddle secured to the band and including at least one firstrivet member and at least one second rivet member located at oppositeends of the saddle, with the first and second rivet members eachdefining a first recess, and with the first rivet member defining asecond recess opening in an opposite direction from the first recess; ahousing pivotally connected to the saddle by the first rivet member,with the housing having a sidewall defining openings configured tocooperate with the first and second rivet members; and a worm screwpositioned in the housing and rotatably connected to the housing, withthe housing and worm screw pivotable about the first rivet memberbetween an open position in which the housing and worm screw form anangle with the saddle and in which the worm screw defines a space withthe saddle for receiving the free end of the band, and a closed positionin which the first and second rivet members substantially extend throughthe openings in the sidewall of the housing, wherein with the free endof the band positioned between the worm screw and the saddle and withthe housing and worm screw in the closed position, the worm screwengages the slots defined in the free end of the band for tightening theclamp assembly, and wherein in the closed position of the housing andworm screw, the housing is movable in an axial direction relative to thesaddle such that the sidewall of the housing seats in the first recessesdefined by the first and second rivet members.
 10. The clamp assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the saddle is secured to the band by one of welding,crimping and fasteners.
 11. The clamp assembly of claim 9, wherein thefirst recesses is slanted in a direction toward a base portion of thesaddle.
 12. The clamp assembly of claim 9, wherein the first rivetmember includes a connecting tab, and wherein the housing is connectedto the saddle by the connecting tab.
 13. The clamp assembly of claim 12,wherein the connecting tab is curled over the sidewall of the housing.14. The clamp assembly of claim 9, wherein the worm screw includes ahead portion defining a slot configured to accept a screwdriver fortightening the clamp assembly.
 15. The clamp assembly of claim 14,wherein the worm screw includes a terminal portion and defines groovesadjacent the head portion and the terminal portion, wherein the housingincludes a substantially semicircular-shaped body portion for housingthe worm screw, and wherein the body portion is received in the groovesto rotatably connect the worm screw to the housing.
 16. The clampassembly of claim 9, wherein the band, the saddle, the housing and theworm screw are made of stainless steel.
 17. A clamp assembly for usewith a conduit, comprising: a flexible band adapted to encircle theconduit and having a free end defining a plurality of slots; a saddlesecured to the band and including a pair of equally spaced first rivetmembers and a pair of equally spaced second rivet members located atopposite ends of the saddle, with the first and second rivet memberseach defining a first recess, and with the first rivet members eachfurther including a connecting tab and defining a second recess openingin an opposite direction from the first recess; a housing pivotallyconnected to the saddle by the connecting tabs, with the housing havingsidewalls defining openings configured to cooperate with the first andsecond rivet members, wherein the connecting tabs are curled over thesidewalls of the housing; and a worm screw positioned in the housing androtatably connected to the housing, with the housing and worm screwpivotable about the first rivet members between an open position inwhich the housing and worm screw form an angle with the saddle and inwhich the worm screw defines a space with the saddle for receiving thefree end of the band, and a closed position in which the first andsecond rivet members substantially extend through the openings in thesidewalls of the housing, wherein with the free end of the bandpositioned between the worm screw and the saddle and with the housingand worm screw in the closed position, the worm screw engages the slotsdefined in the free end of the band for tightening the clamp assembly,and wherein in the closed position of the housing and worm screw, thehousing is movable in an axial direction relative to the saddle suchthat the sidewalls of the housing seat in the first recesses defined bythe first and second rivet members.
 18. The clamp assembly of claim 17,wherein the worm screw includes a head portion defining a slotconfigured to accept a screwdriver for tightening the clamp assembly.19. The clamp assembly of claim 18, wherein the worm screw includes aterminal portion and defines grooves adjacent the head portion and theterminal portion, wherein the housing includes a substantiallysemicircular-shaped body portion for housing the worm screw, and whereinthe body portion is received in the grooves to rotatably connect theworm screw to the housing.
 20. The clamp assembly of claim 19, whereinthe band, the saddle, the housing, and the worm screw are made ofstainless steel.